Obituaries for the week of Feb. 9

Merilee Viola Kubart, 71, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 25 at her home.

Born in Bushwick, Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of Eugene Felix Flamm and Viola Pfeifer Flamm. She was the beloved wife of Ronald Eugene Kubart; mother of Russ Kubart and his wife Dawn, Ronald Kubart, Jr. and his wife Mary, and Kelly Russell and her husband Vernon; grandmother of Ty Kubart, Van Kubart, Jasmine Kubart, Acadia Kubart, Denali Kubart. Luke Russell, Andrew Russell and Alyssa Russell; and sister of Eugene Flamm.

A funeral was held March 1. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Autism Society of America (www.autism-society.org), 4340 East West Hwy., Ste. 350, Bethesda, MD 20814; or to Pancreatic Research, c/o Thomas Jefferson Hospital. Condolences may be made at www.longwoodfuneralhome.com.

Born in Havre de Grace, Md., she was the daughter of the late James and Allene Bennet Dishmon. She was employed with Acme Market and Shop Rite. She enjoyed spending time with her grandson.

She is survived by one son, John Miller of Phoenixville; one grandson, Zachary Miller; two sisters, Linda Davis of Ellicott City, Md., and Vicky Johnson of Elkton, Md.; and two brothers, James Dishmon, Jr. of Burke, Va., and Michael Dishmon of St. Augustine, Fla.

Funeral services were held March 2. Interment was in Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RUSSELL W. WAMBOLD, JR.

Russell William Wambold, Jr., 63, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 24 at his home.

He was the husband of Cheryl Reynolds Wambold (Oxford), with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and grandfather; devoted to all of his family and friends.

Born in Phoenixville, he was the son of Herbert and Anita Funderwhite Bowersock, Jr., of Cochranville. He was a graduate of Oxford Area High School, class of 1970. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea. He was extremely proud to be a veteran. He worked as office manager and vet tech at Penn Animal Hospital in West Grove, and loved caring for the pets (and their owners). He was co-owner and operator of R&R Brothers Lawn Service. He was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Whitetails Unlimited.

He enjoyed the outdoors, his mountain property, fishing, and hunting. While he was an avid hunter with bow, black powder and rifle, he was also very involved in the conservation of wild animals and their habitats, as well as the care and nurturing of domestic animals. He was an antique car and street rod enthusiast. He was a passionate gardener, loved losing track of time in his garden, and sharing the fruits and vegetables. Russ was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.

He is survived by his wife; his mother; son, Russell William Wambold III and his wife Sam of Lakewood, N.J.; daughter, Sherry Lynn Weir and her husband David Szczechowski of Oxford; two granddaughters, Patricia Weir and Rebeca Szczechowski; two brothers, Ronald Bowersock and his wife Beth of Wilmington, Del., and Herbert Bowersock III of Wilmington, Del.; one sister, Mary Anne Tait of Hockessin, Del.; two nephews, Brian Bowersock and Justin Tait; and one niece, Ashley Tait. He was preceded in death by his Dad (Herb), sister and brother-in-law, Susan (Bowersock) and David Ochs.

An informal gathering to celebrate his life was held on March 7. In lieu of flowers, Russ loved animals and nature, so a donation may be made to any organization involved in the habitat, education, and/or management of animals (wildlife or domestic). Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

VINCE RUGGIERI

Vince Ruggieri, 55, of Avondale, passed away on Feb. 28.

Born in Jennersville, he was the son of the late Frank and Patricia Lurty Ruggieri. He was a tile setter, last working for Coyote Construction Company in Kennett Square. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, gardening, chopping wood, the outdoors, riding his bike, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by three sisters, Patricia J. Roark (late husband Carl) of Wilmington, Del., Brenda F. DiProspero (Joe) of Parkesburg, and Vicki L Huber (Craig) of Gap; and his companion, Donna Weaver and her daughter Mandy. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, David M. Ruggieri.

A funeral was held March 7. In memory of Vince, a contribution may be made to the New Garden Friends Meeting, c/o Nancy Pratt, 415 Cedar Springs Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

BILLY J. HOLMAN, JR.

Billy James “Big Bill” Holman, Jr., 35, of Avondale, passed away on March 1 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Kimberly A. Holcomb of Avondale and the late Billy James Holman, Sr. “Big Bill” was a self-employed auto mechanic who enjoyed working on cars, hunting, fishing and playing baseball.

He is survived by his mother; son, Billy James Holman III; fiancee, Tanya Sanchez of Avondale; daughter, Alexis Marie Sanchez; two uncles, Jeff Holcomb and his wife Linda of Florida, and Joe Burgos and his wife Shannon of Cochranville; grandfather, Jose Burgos of Avondale; grandmother, Ruth Holcomb of Avondale; three nieces, Bryana Burgos, Chasity Burgos and Sierra Burgos, all of Cochranville; and nephew, Benjamin Holcomb of Florida.

A memorial service was held March 5. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to his son, Billy James Holman III, c/o Tanya Sanchez, PO Box 1144, Avondale, PA 19311. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ERNESTINE ELAINE SANDERS DREW

Ernestine Elaine Sanders Drew, 91, of Kennett Square, died on March 1 at Linden Hall Nursing Home in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of the late Joseph D. Drew, who died in 2009, and with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Hanford, Calif., she was a daughter of the late Stanley and the late Eunice (Harper) Sanders. She was a member of Willowdale Chapel, where she participated in many groups. She was a member of the Kennett Area Senior Center, enjoyed flower gardening and crafting, and was an excellent seamstress. In her early years, she was a hairstylist for Demarco’s Beauty Salon in Broomall.

Survivors include one son, Gary Drew (Mo) of Germantown, Md.; three daughters, Sandra Crawford (Andy) of Kennett Square, Gwenn Spratt of California, and Patricia Keville of West Chester; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother and one sister.

A memorial service was held March 7. Contributions in her memory may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester PA 19380. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MARILYN A. DEWEY

Marilyn A. Dewey, 88, passed away on Feb. 28 in West Grove.

Born in 1927 in Cairo, N.Y., she was the oldest daughter of Mary and Fred S. Dulin. She grew up in Fly Creek, N.Y., and graduated from Cooperstown High School. In 1948, she graduated from Cornell University and married John B. Dewey in 1949. A respectful, giving, and loving person, she took great joy in helping both friends and family throughout her whole life. Marilyn was also an avid gardener and an accomplished seamstress, as well as an excellent cook, who loved to entertain and thoroughly enjoyed hosting events for both family and friends. She also loved spending time with her three grandchildren.

For over 50 years, Marilyn was a very active volunteer in the Kennett community, devoting her time to the Red Cross bloodmobile, West Chester Hospital, Tick Tock toy store, and the Heron’s Nest at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community. An accomplished vocalist and pianist, she was an active member of the Church of the Advent congregation and a member of the choir for over 40 years, as well as assisting with numerous church functions.

A memorial service in celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on March 27 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent (401 N. Union St., Kennett Square). Interment will be held privately in the adjoining church memorial garden. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tick Tock Early Learning Center, 1694 Baltimore Pike, Avondale, PA 19311. To view an online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

He was the fiancé of Debra Brown of Lincoln University. Born in 1937 in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Thomas R. Toppin, Sr., and Ella May Pyle-Toppin. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He worked for the Pathmark Company in the Delaware Valley. For 27 years, he was a heavy equipment and taxi driver for local farms and the Amish community. Ted enjoyed spending time with his financee, Debbie, and his dogs, Frankie and Kayla.

He is survived by his brother, Charles A. Toppin, of Wilmington, Del.; daughter Jennette Hayes of Wilmington, Del.; son Sean Toppin of Charlotte, N.C., stepson Ronnie Kinsey of West Grove; stepdaughter Christina Brown of Unionville; and stepson Keith Brown, Jr., of Landenberg.

Friends and family may join a celebration-of-life service at the Mt. Vernon Christian Church (1 Lighthouse Dr., Kirkwood) on March 18 at 5:30 p.m. for a meal, and a memorial service beginning at 7 p.m. If you are planning to attend the meal at 5:30, R.S.V.P. to Christina Brown before March 15 at 610-470-3396. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Ted Toppin to Andrews Bridge Christian Fellowship, 1873 Georgetown Road, Christiana, PA 17509, designated for the support of Ted’s fiancee, Debbie Brown.

JOHN F. FORLINO II

John Francis Forlino II, 65, of Oxford, died on March 3 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Nancy Galati Forlino, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. Born in Chester, Pa., he was a son of the late John F. and the late Mildred Irene (Goodchild) Forlino. He was a 1971 graduate of West Chester University. He was an industrial designer working for Nuart Graphics in West Chester.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, one daughter, Erika Forlino of Downingtown; one brother, Jay M. Forlino and his wife Jacqueline of Landenberg; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on March 21 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc. (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 527 Plymouth Road, Suite 415, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

HELEN ADA HACKMAN

Helen Ada Hackman, 91, of Avondale, passed away on March 6 at her residence.

She was the wife of Franklin Hackman, Sr., who passed away in 1995, and with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Pomeroy, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Clarence S. and Olga Flaharty Bailey. She was a homemaker, and enjoyed being with her friends and family.

She is survived by one daughter, Ruth Freeman and her husband Darrell of Avondale; one son, Franklin Hackman, Jr., and his wife Dorothy of Cochranville; one brother, Clarence Baily of Thompson, Ga.; one sister, Dolores Santiago of Jennersville: two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one daughter; Helen Baker; one sister, Amy Henry; three brothers, Harold, George and Quentin Baily; and two grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on March 12 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be in Hephzibah Cemetery in East Fallowfield. In memory of Mrs. Hackman, a contribution may be made to Hospice Compassus, 1234 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, West Chester, PA 19382. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.griecocares.com.

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